In March of 2012, Frederic Lagrange crossed into Afghanistan and spent three weeks exploring the Wakhan Corridor, an exotic and remote region in the country’s northeast. He was struck by the widespread humanity and hospitality of people who live life amid such barren surroundings.

As the United States and the world wait for the war in Afghanistan to come to a close, so do the allied soldiers still on the ground in the tumultuous country. Photojournalist Andrew Burton traveled to the region in January and again in March to get a better understanding of the war.

For more than a decade, images of war and death have filled most Americans’ minds when they think of Afghanistan. What is easily forgotten in times of war is the people. Daniel Berehulak gives a glimpse into daily life in the country’s capital of Kabul, as well the shifting security forces.

With an ongoing war, citizens in many areas of Afghanistan become refugees as they look for safety or a better life. Photographer Alixandra Fazzina found unaccompanied minors traveling to Europe, searching for opportunity and stability.

Magnum photographer Larry Towell planned to embed with the Taliban when the Afghan contact he was using was forced to flee the country. The contact left the name of someone who led Towell to a local journalist willing to go in for him. This glimpse into their camp humanizes the insurgents, he said.